“It’s alright he didn’t make it,” Vermeil told TMZ about the former 49ers wide receiver. “I think his reputation hurts him a little bit. If you want to be obnoxious from time to time, within an NFL situation, you’re going to pay the price.”

The San Jose State Sports Hall of Famer doesn’t think that price is complete exclusion from Canton.

“But he will get in,” Vermeil said. “He’ll make it one day. Be patient.”

Patience may not have seemed like one of Owens’ virtues, though he has no choice but to wait.

Daniel Mano is a content creator for the Mercury News and East Bay Times, focusing on buzz-worthy and offbeat sports news. A graduate of San Jose State's journalism program with a magazine concentration, he has been with Digital First Media since 2012.